A Taste of Temptation (Love Spectrum Romance) (18 page)

Her back arched with pleasure, bringing her breasts closer to him. Her mind danced as his tongue circled her nipples, sucking each with equal velocity, as she cupped his scrotum, matching his tempo stroke for stroke. Each tender nipple heightened to peak perfection as his lips devoured them.

He released himself from her clutches, kissing his way down to her stomach, dipping and poking into her navel. Her cries of desire burned inside him, propelling him forward. Removing her panties, he dipped into her moist valley with swift tongue swirls. Every inch of her tasted sweet, like heaven itself, and all he wanted to do at that point was die, and go straight to Brandi’s heaven. Every move he made stirred memories of that incredible evening he had spent with a supremely intoxicating female.

Her folds shivered against his lips, aching as he dipped deeper and deeper into her. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she received his pleasure. When he stopped, her eyes opened wide. “Tim?”

No answer as he was hurriedly removing the jeans trapping his ankles. He hovered over her, their eyes locking.
Thank God! Thank God for this night.
He slowly bent to her, tasting her warm lips. He straddled her, placing her legs above his shoulders. The minute his flesh met her opening, he wanted to give into release. No, his point was to satisfy her—over and over and over.…

His pressure ignited her, and she pulled at the plush carpeting as she readied herself for the ride she had lived for. She felt his rod deeply implanted into her, rocking her, becoming frenzied, practically moving her across the carpeting. Her screams became deadly powerful as he rocked her. Her desire for him was electric. She could hardly believe she was looking up at him, finally; the most magnificent being she had ever seen; he was beautiful, perfect. Her eyes steadily bore into his as she massaged his well-toned muscles. They would break to kiss—long, lavish kisses that made them even hungrier for each another.

Their tempos matched, moving in rhythm against one another for what seemed to be hours. Their desires erupted in duo screams, and moans. They had conquered every part of the living room, making love in every position imaginable.

When they were done, Tim lay across her, totally spent, totally satisfied…completely in love.

By the time they had finished, Quincy Jones’s “Love and Peace” was playing…again. They had made love through the entire CD.

They lay side-by-side, talking, listening and learning about one another again. Tim brought their entwined fingers to his lips, kissing her fingers, feeling the tennis bracelet against his chin. He vowed, that night never to keep anything from her again, though his life would be a hard thing to explain to anyone. He didn’t know if she would stay or eventually run if she knew all the wrenching details of his life, but he had to take the chance.

But first, he had to know about Eric. His words came slowly. “Brandi, I know this is personal and you don’t have to tell me this, but, did you sleep with Eric?”

“With Eric? God no, not after he was with Stacey. He and I don’t have that kind of relationship anymore. He never even asked. He knows I love you, Tim, and that there could never be anything between him and me again.”

“Good. I know men, Brandi, and had you slept with him, he would take it to mean you are his no matter what. I know that’s what I would think.”

“You should, because I do belong to you. He was actually kind to me, almost too kind. I could barely believe it was the same guy.”

“Maybe he’s finally growing up.”

“No, I think my father told him he’d tear his heart out if he did anything to me again.”

“He still has cell deficiencies, so be careful around him.”

“I will, just for you. Besides, who would sleep with him after having the likes of Timothy Edward Polaris?”

“You’re making me out to be something I’m not.”

“Wrong. One thing though, we have to be honest and straight about everything, Tim. Can you promise me that?”

“I’ll say yes to anything when it comes to you.”

She rolled over on her back pulling him along with her. “Then shut-up and make love to me again…Dr. Polaris.”

“No way; it’s almost four in the morning. I had better get you home before the old man, along with Eric, has the entire NYPD on my trail.”

“Eric and my father are the last things on my mind.”

“I know, but I had better get you dressed and home anyway.”

Her arms encircled him. “Sure you want to do that? I can make getting dressed awfully difficult.”

“Brandi…!”

They left the house an hour later. She proved to him just how hard getting dressed could be.

She watched from the screen door as Tim drove off. Her parents’ comfortable old house was still in the quietness of dawn. She was sure her father was snoring away; however as sound a sleeper she knew her father to be, he could still hear a floorboard crack in the basement. Brandi knew she would be in for it because she had failed to tell anyone where she was going that night. She could have used her cell, but she was having so much fun with Tim and his friends, she simply forgot. It was nice to see Tim having so much fun, and knowing she brought out that side of him made her happy.

Not being quite in the mood for reprimand from her father, she stepped back into the cool night air. A light snowfall had covered the lawns, making everything seem new and clear. That was what her relationship with Tim was now, new and clear—a time for complete honesty and love. She loved the idea that she would have him as a whole, not bits an pieces.

Out of nowhere, she heard her name being called; she reached for the screen door. It was Eric standing in front of his car across the street. She met him halfway. “Eric, what are you doing here at five-thirty in the morning?”

“I should be asking you the same thing. I called last night to see if you were doing anything, but no one could find you. They said you were probably out with Tiffany.”

“I did go out, but not with Tiffany.”

“Then who were you with?”

“A friend.”

“Really? Just a friend?”

“Look, Eric, had I known you wanted to do something, we could have made plans. Why did you wait until the last minute to call me?”

“I had things to do, and I figured…”

“You figured me to be home anyway, right? People make plans in advance on New Years Eve. Don’t assume I’ll be home waiting for you. Someone called before you did, so I took advantage of the offer.”

“You didn’t answer me. Who were you with?”

She shook her head, realizing the old Eric was back, and uglier than ever. “I was out, plain and simple. Satisfied?”

“Were you with
him
?”

“Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t. Who’s to say? Who are you anyway, the next Jeffrey Miles? Funny, you don’t look like him.”

“Don’t be cute, Brandi.”

“Look, Eric, it’s too cold and dark out here to be arguing with you about what I do with my time. If I needed a lecture from my father, I’d go inside and get one. You are not my father or my man any more, so lay off.”

He took her hand, rubbing her chilled fingertips. “Baby, now don’t get defensive. I care about you; I want you to be safe. I know I should have called you earlier, but you know how I am. I’m a last minute kind of guy.”

She withdrew her hand. “I’m not a last minute kind of girl. I like notice. You didn’t give me any, so I left with the first, and best, I might add—invitation.”

“Meaning what?”

“Figure it out, smart boy.”

He smiled a snarky smile. “You know who you’re sounding like?”

“No, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.”

“I will tell you. You’re sounding like that silly chick who was dating her college professor. Are you her again?”

“I didn’t date him while he was at Madison, Eric.”

“I think I see where this is going, and it’s about to stop. You are my girl. Remember that.”

“Buzz off, Eric. I’m tired.”

She turned to leave, but he grabbed her hand.

“Let me go.”

“No! Where was he when you needed a man, huh? I was around when he dumped you, and now you’re about to leave me because Joe White Boy is back in the picture. No way!”

She jerked away. “You son of a bitch! Do you think you own me? This conversation is so finished.” She tried opening the screen door but he pushed it shut. At that moment she knew Tim had been right about Eric. Her voice remained calm. “Eric, I am tired and want to go to bed.”

“We need to talk.”

“It’s too late for talk; now move so I can go inside.”

“Not until you hear me out. Take a drive with me. We can go and get pancakes, your favorite.”

“Do I need to call Dad out here?” She held up her cell phone, but he knocked it from her hand. “Are you nuts or something?”

He picked up the phone. “Maybe I’ll call him and tell him who you were with. Wouldn’t that be a cool idea?” He started dialing the number.

“Eric, stop!”

He handed her the phone and called to her father at the top of his voice.

Neighborhood porch lights started coming on, hers being one of them. Her only recourse was to run to her car and lock all the doors until she could find her ignition key and start the car.

More lights came on. She finally found the key. As she drove away, she could see Eric racing to his car to follow her.

It seemed as though she had been driving for hours before she pulled into Tim’s circular driveway. When she came to a stop, she looked around to see if Eric had followed. He hadn’t—not yet. She sat there looking at Tim’s house, all dark and quiet. Not even Myrrh was in his heated doghouse in the back. She knew Tim was fast asleep, and hated to disturb him. But she had little choice in the matter. It was only a matter of time before Eric came around, causing trouble for Tim to finish, and he would finish it!

She pressed hard on his buzzer. It felt like forever before he answered it. When he came to the door, she ran into his arms, barely able to speak. “Can I stay the rest of the morning with you? Eric is after me.”

“He’s what?” He flung the door wide open, but saw nothing but Brandi’s car tracks across part of his lawn. “What happened?”

“Eric was waiting for me when I got home.”

“You were inside when I left you.”

“I went back out, trying to think of an excuse to tell my father about where I was.”

“An excuse.” He locked the door and led her into the living room. “Why do you need an excuse? Tell him the truth, that you were with me.”

“You know how my father is. Besides, he’ll get on me more over not calling, as opposed to being with you. Eric wouldn’t let me in the house. He blocked my way and started waking up the neighborhood. I didn’t know where else to go, Tim.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “You’re safe here, and no one will hurt you. Come on, let me warm you up and get you into bed. You’re tired and cold.”

He helped her undress, giving her an old pajama top to sleep in. He buttoned it and kissed her neck. “You still smell so good—like you’ve just made love to your man.”

“Gee, where could that scent have come from? I could tell you, but I’d rather show.”

“No. Sleep is on the menu now.” He pulled the covers back on the bed. “Slide in and get cozy.”

Before he returned to bed, he walked into the living room, and peeked through the curtains, but saw no sign of Eric. Moments later, he snuggled next to her, feeling her back pressed firmly against his stomach. His arms encircled her. “Nothing will hurt you, I promise.” For the first time since his marriage ended, he wanted a woman to share his bed with him the entire night.

For Brandi, nothing existed in the world other than the man at her side. Tim’s calm breathing soothed her, the feel of his body next to hers relaxed her; it was like being married, it was so familiar, so sensual. “I love you, Timothy Edward.”

His body pressed closer to her. “I love you, too.” He smoothed the blanket across her frame, falling asleep with her wrapped around him.

Eric pulled in front of Tim’s house and saw Brandi’s car in the driveway. Skid marks left in the snow testified that she had been on the run from something—from him. What angered him was the overwhelming feeling that Tim had won the battle. He smiled, thinking that the war had not yet been won.

CHAPTER 18

Tiffany walked in with the last of the decorations, dropping them into Brandi’s lap. “It was real clever of your mother and her sister to plan a Valentine’s Day party, then skip out on decorating this joint.”

“Why should they do that when they have us? Besides, my parents married on Valentine’s Day. They plan to be together before the party, shopping or something. I think it’s very romantic that they’re still hot for one another.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever; I still don’t want to decorate this house. This is a big house, Brandi!”

“I know, but there are a lot of people coming over, and mom wants the house to look great! Come on, help me with this stuff before Tim comes over. I don’t want him to have to decorate Dad’s house, knowing they’re still not on the best of terms. They’re getting there, though.”

“What? Tim’s coming over?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“I hope tonight will be one of their better ones; if not, prepare to clean up after the fight.”

“They’ve been alone together. Tim has had dinner here before, and he and Dad have actually had a beer together while watching the Knicks. I had to actually pull Tim away so we could go back to his place.”

“I guess your father figured he’d better get along with Tim or lose his daughter.”

“You got it, because Tim is a permanent fixture in my life. Also, I don’t want Tim having to do anything, because this is also partly a belated birthday surprise for him. He was at a conference on his birthday in January.”

“I bet your aunt can’t wait to get over here to see him.”

“She’s sweating me big time about him, asking if we’ve done it yet.”

“I know you have, and I’m sick over it.”

“Why?”

“Because I can just imagine how on-jam he is in bed, girl, and that he’s not with me doing it!”

“You’re so silly. I will not say a word about what Tim and I do together.”

“You don’t have to; your blushing cheeks say it all.”

“Enough; help me with these balloons.”

“How’s it going with what you want to present at Niagara, Brandi?”

“Good, I guess, Tim. I still won’t concentrate on winning. It’s early though; only March. Besides, that would take me too far away from you.”

“This could be a good opportunity for you.”

“You’re a good opportunity for me, now cut the crap and finish that steak before I finish it for you.”

His cell pulsed and he looked at the display; it showed Dr. Drexler’s number. “I’d better take this. It’s my doctor.”

“Anything wrong?”

“Not to my knowledge.” He excused himself and walked into the lobby of the restaurant.

He returned with a somber expression on his face.

“Tim, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing; she’s just checking on me.”

“Why? Nothing’s going on with you for someone to check.”

“It’s nothing.”

Brandi knew it was something, but couldn’t pin him down. “Are we still going bowling?”

He looked around at the crowded restaurant, then back to her. “Sure, we should get there before the crowd takes the lanes.”

On the way to the alley, Tim was silent, turning to her favorite radio station to keep her occupied while he tried to sort out the news brought to him by the phone call back at the restaurant.

Brandi bowled her two games and became tired of bowling a score of less than 65. She watched Tim continue practicing. Yes, something was definitely on his mind. He threw the ball down the alley with such ferocity it made her think he was trying to destroy the lane. It was as if he was in a trance, picking the ball up almost robotically, not thinking, just rolling. He beat his own record, but Brandi was concerned about his actions. She met him at the ball return, stopping his hand before he could retrieve the ball. “Tim, what was that call really about?”

“Brandi, why are you down here? This is dangerous.”

He moved her aside and rolled the ball with lightening speed.

“Tim, what’s wrong? Can’t you tell me?”

“Nothing is wrong, Brandi.”

“Ever since you got that call, you have been preoccupied.”

“I’m just tired.”

“Then let’s go, because you and that damn ball are scaring me. I’ve never seen anyone throw a bowling ball that hard. You’re rolling strikes without even trying.”

“Isn’t that the point?”

“Don’t be cute, Tim. There’s anger behind that ball. Come on, let’s go so we can talk.”

He refused to talk about the phone call; instead, he rested next to Brandi as they watched movies well into the night. His mind was not on
House on Haunted Hill
, or any other movie he and Brandi had rented. It stayed on that phone call off and on until they were ready to leave for Niagara University.

* * *

Brandi and her fellow classmates sat behind the first-class curtains laughing, singing and enjoying the flight. Tim heard her laugh, her voice, and wanted to be out there with her, but he was worried now, and he had a feeling Eric was the cause of the worry. His concentration level dropped to its lowest point and he fell asleep in his seat. He woke as the plane taxied into Niagara Falls International Airport.

They arrived at Niagara University on a blustery evening in early April. The weekend had been reserved for Madison’s retreat, so there was hardly any student activity that weekend, and an entire dorm building had been reserved for them. Tim immediately gave out the dorm assignments so he could pass out in his own bed, but he still had Brandi and Tiffany’s assignments. He spied Brandi in a corner alone, and called to her. She lugged her suitcase over to him. “Brandi, where were you? I’ve been looking for you for over ten minutes to give you and Tiffany these room assignments.”

“Take it easy, Tim; I was just down the hall getting a Coke. Are you okay?”

“Sure, I’m just tired I guess.”

“You’ve been tired a lot lately. Is it me?”

“Don’t start that again.”

“I’m serious. Ever since that call a couple of weeks ago, you’ve been in the twilight zone.”

“I’m sorry about that, but everything’s fine.”

She was not convinced. “Yeah, sure; anyway, I waited for the crowd to disperse. Those women standing around gawking at you were making me sick.”

He looked into her face. “Are you okay?’

“Just tired and ready to go to bed—with you.”

“Umm, Brandi, don’t go there. You know we can’t share rooms here.” He handed her the room assignment. “I put you with Tiffany.”

She looked down at the room number. “Where’s yours?”

“The floor above; I’m not telling you which room.”

“Spoilsport. I’ll figure it out.” She dragged her suitcase over to Tiffany, and they got on the elevator. She blew him a kiss.

The doors closed on her lovely face. He wondered how on earth he was going to survive in that hotel for six days without making love to her. And he wondered how he was going to cope with the intrusion of Eric Fontaine in their lives. He slowly rolled his own luggage to the opposite elevator, and rode up to room 712.

Tim walked into the banquet room for the start off meeting and found himself sitting next to Brandi. Earlier that morning he had seen her and other class members setting the room up and placing papers, handouts and menus. Did she have anything to do with switching her seat with Frank’s? He slid into his chair, and in a low voice asked her: “What have you done? Frank was supposed to be seated next to me.”

“You checked the seating arrangements?”

“I check everything; now, what did you do?”

“I switched with him. He didn’t care.”

“Fine, Brandi.” He shook his head at her audacity as the rest of the staff filed in. During the first speech, he glanced at Brandi and caught her seductively nibbling a sausage link. He tried to ignore her, but he could still see her out of the corner of his eye. She was sliding the sausage between her lips. He felt an instant erection and slid further into the chair so no one would notice. The room buzzed with conversation, making it possible to speak to Brandi without being overheard. “You are a devil.”

“And a good one at that.”

“Whatever!”

Wasting no time, her hand moved under the table, resting on his lap briefly before unzipping his pants. Her antics took him by surprise, making him sit up straight. She wasn’t going to stop her little games, so he relaxed. He was embarrassed and excited at the same time and he struggled to hide his emotions.

Brandi was relentless: fondling, stroking, massaging his scrotum. Trying to stem the rising tide of passion, he grasped her hand. Too late. Seconds later, heat waves flashed through his body, and his pants became soaked with his own moisture. He glared at Brandi, who was pretending to listen to Mr. Tobias’s boring speech.

For once, he was not grateful for that fabulous release, because standing to deliver his speech was now impossible. He had to get out of there; he tipped over his glass of juice, letting it land in his lap. Anything to get out of there and change his pants.

The breakfast meeting adjourned. Tim hated that he had been scheduled to speak last anyway. He wanted it over so he could retreat to his room, allowing Brandi no latitude. He told everyone to meet him back there for lunch for the last of the speeches. When the last person left, he went to Brandi pointing to his wet pants. “That was so wrong, Brandi.”

She dabbed at his wet pants, but he pulled back. “Why did you do that to me?”

“Because you need some levity in your life. You’ve been moping around for weeks now. I thought it would help.”

“It didn’t!”

She heard anger in his voice. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to take your mind off whatever has been consuming you.”

“During a speech I was supposed to be making? Brandi, I don’t even know what to say to you now.”

She moved closer to him, making sure the door was completely closed. “Did you enjoy it, though?”

“That’s not the point.”

“You did, didn’t you?”

“No…yes, but, Brandi…”

She pressed her hand hard against his lasting erection. “Good thing your pants are dark. Here, cover up with this.” She handed him a large napkin. “I would go with you to help you change, but I’ve got work to do. Sorry you’re so mad at me.”

“Just go and get your work done.” He held the door open for her. Monica met him at the entrance, smiling as she looked at him. “How did you manage to spill that juice all over yourself?”

“It just happened is all.” He walked past her to the bank of elevators.

After the luncheon meeting, Tim was too tired to attend the festival at the park that evening. Brandi would be there, and he didn’t want to be tempted by her again, not after her little stunt at the breakfast meeting. Then he thought about it, hating himself for being mad at her. She had only been trying to help, as she had been ever since he had gotten that call from Claire.

That afternoon, he walked to the gift shops on the waterfront near Niagara Falls, looking for something nice for her to make up for his temper. In the distance, he could hear the festival music playing reggae, Carlos Santana, and Sergio Mendez. He loved the Latin sounds almost as much as he loved American jazz. Music always reminded him of Brandi dancing against him. He saw the time and realized he needed to get back to work, reviewing the papers to be presented at the end of the retreat.

But the music still playing in his ears made it hard to go back to work. Instead, after reaching the waterfront near the dorm rooms, he leaned over the railing facing the falls. The falls were breathtaking, a wondrous beauty and a magnificent place for lovers. Too bad he and Brandi couldn’t share a room or that experience. They did not need more havoc in their lives. No, he had to leave Brandi alone until the trip was over.

A gentle breeze gently blew droplets of water onto his face, causing him to think of Brandi’s tender caresses. She was never far from his thoughts. He hated that he hurt her feelings earlier that day. Still, he ached for her. He missed her nearness above all else; he had never experienced loving a woman the way he loved her.

From a distance, Brandi watched him. She wanted him in her arms, but was fearful that he was still angry with her. She didn’t know whether to leave him alone with his reverie or talk to him and apologize again for making his life hell that day. She had never seen him so upset over something that was not life threatening. Something was behind it, and she knew it.

She came over and stood next to him, letting the same cool mist dampen her skin as well. They enjoyed the water in silence until she broke the mood. “I thought you would have been at the festival tonight; God knows you need to have some fun.”

“Wasn’t really in a dancing mood tonight.”

She moved closer to him. “I’m really sorry about today, Tim. I never meant to hurt you. I hope you realize that.”

He took a deep breath, and then turned to her. “It was never really you that I was angry with. I just needed someone to blame it on. I’m sorry for being so mean lately.”

“You haven’t been mean, but I know something is going on. Is it the fact that Eric is being so disagreeable?”

“I don’t care about Eric; you know that. He can jump into the falls as far as I’m concerned. No, there have been other things.”

She put her arms through his. “Maybe one day you’ll tell me.”

“I guess that time is tonight. I’ve kept you in the dark long enough. Remember that call I took in the restaurant some time ago?”

“Sure.”

“Brandi, someone broke into my doctor’s office and made off with my files.”

“Really? Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

“I didn’t want to upset you. It was made to look like a break-in, but only my files were stolen.”

“Why would someone want your files?”

“I have no idea. All I know is that those files had things about my life in them; my life as a child, everything. Everything I told you about my past is in there. The last thing I need is someone having access to that.”

“Is Claire okay?”

“She’s fine, but the cops still have no lead. I don’t know why someone is so intent on making my life a living hell.”

“You don’t think Eric had anything to do with this, do you?”

“I don’t know what to think anymore.” He looked at his watch again. “It’s getting late and I have work to do; so do you.”